Long haul

[ehammond4]

Hi, I’m sure this has been answered before, but I’m new to the forum and could use some advice/guidance on where to find answers. I’m driving across Alaska to pick up my first airstream, a ‘79 32 foot Excella. It’s a 9 hour drive, and besides tires and bearings, what’s should I look at safety wise to haul this thing home. It has been sitting for quite some time. Thanks!

[rmkrum]

Functional brakes and breakaway switch are required by law, and a darn fine safety idea regardless..

If there is no battery or switch, consider adding the following for the trip. Cheap insurance. Available on Amazon...

Tekonsha 50-85-325 Shur-Set III Breakaway System with LED Test Meter, Battery, Switch and Charger

[FL Crackers]

Depending on your tow vehicle (TV) you might want to consider a weight distribution hitch (if not included). Also, a break controller if not incorporated in the TV's tow package. The break, turn and clearance lights usually start working on their own after a few minutes connected, but check them out. Check that you have the right size hitch ball - all are not created equal. Otherwise check for loose/open windows, antennaes and roof parts. It's not fair asking how I know these things. Welcome to the AS community and good luck.

[ehammond4]

Thanks, any idea where I could find the info for the hitch size?

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by ehammond4

Thanks, any idea where I could find the info for the hitch size?

What tow vehicle will you use?
What's the tongue weight on the RV?

[Al and Missy]

Trailers the size of yours, and maybe all Airstreams, use a 2-1/4" ball. When I first got my Airstream I thought it was a 2" ball. It was no problem for my regular towing as I got an Equalizer hitch when I bought the trailer. But I put a front receiver on my truck to park my trailer and put a 2" ball on the draw bar I got for it because I thought that was the biggest one. When I hit a crack in my driveway the trailer came off of the hitch and rolled on the caster wheel I had in my tongue jack into the front of my truck. It took a while to figure out what the problem was.

Al

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

Trailers the size of yours, and maybe all Airstreams, use a 2-1/4" ball. When I first got my Airstream I thought it was a 2" ball. It was no problem for my regular towing as I got an Equalizer hitch when I bought the trailer. But I put a front receiver on my truck to park my trailer and put a 2" ball on the draw bar I got for it because I thought that was the biggest one. When I hit a crack in my driveway the trailer came off of the hitch and rolled on the caster wheel I had in my tongue jack into the front of my truck. It took a while to figure out what the problem was.

Al

2-1/4”?

2-5/16” perhaps?

[Bill M.]

Bearings, tires, brakes, battery, break away switch. Need WD hitch. Need brake controller mounted in TV. Mirrors. Need 7 pin connector on TV and probably to change the connector on the trailer. A wiring diagram is a big help. Need to make sure the pantry is latched in the trailer if it has one. Secure windows, door, and steps. Secure awnings.